LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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PROFESSOR E. J. DONECKEN'S 
SYSTEM • 



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AND 



Illustrated 




Treatise 



ON THE 



EQUINE FA.M:ILY. 



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VVILLIAMSPORT, PA.: 

BANNBR STEAM POWER BOOK PRINTING HOUSE. 

1879. ^^ 



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PROFESSOR K J, DONECKEN'S 

t/ 

SYSTEM 



AND 



Illustrated 
Treatise 

ON THE 

MOST OBVIOUS AND COMPLICAT- 
ED DISEASES AND BLEMISHES 
TO WHICH THE EQUINE 
FAMILY IS PECULIAR. 
]^l^ LY SUBJECT; 

TOGETHER WITH 

giving directions for a scientific 

and rational course of 

treatment. 



li/^feiLl) 



WILLIAMSPORT, PA.: 

BANNER STEAM POWER BOOK PRINTING HOUSE. 
1S79. 



PREFACE. 



In presenting the information which this work 
contains, I have endeavored to be as brief and 
practical as possible. It is intended for the use 
of the intelligent horse owner, and will act as a 
guide in the hour of need. In the compilation of 
this book I have examined a number of works 
written by English and American authors, which 
assisted me in selecting the best and safest agents. 
I have also procured cuts from J. B. Lippincott 
& Co., Philadelphia, Pa. 

The reader will find this work to contain valu- 
able and scientific information. The medicines 
selected are among the latest and best. This will 
enable the owner of the animal, when sick or 
blemished, to give him a scientific and rational 
course of treatment. And in order to have the 
full benefit of the valuable information this work 
contains, and to learn the use of the surgical 
instruments which are necessary to bring in use 
in a number of cases to perfect a cure, it would be 
necessary for the student to attend my School of 
Instruction, to learn the use of the knife, and to 
make use of the medicine as it should be done. 
Always recollect that the care and diet of the 
patient is Ux^arly half of the cure, and some of the 
important instructions cannot be given in writing; 
they must be given personally by the instructor. 

E. J. DONECKEN, Y. S. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, ^V ^- J- Donecken,'^ 
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, 



SYSTEM AND ILLUSTRATED TREATISE, 



THE PULSE. 

■ -It-is-ft-matter of importance, before medicine is 
administered, to ascertain an accurate knowledge 
of tlie pulse, with its different grades. Without 
this knowledge it is impossible to treat the horse 
on general principles. It is a useful assistant to 
the veterinary practitioner. The number of pulsa- 
tions in any artery will give the number of the 
beating of the heart, and so express the irritation 
of that organ, and of the frame generally. If the 
horse is in a healthy condition the heart beats 
from thirtj^-five to thirty-eight times per minute. 
In the thoroughbred horse the pulsation numbers 
from forty-two to forty-six in a minute. 

The most convenient place to examine the pulse 
is at the inferior maxillary, a little behind the spot 
where the sub-maxillary artery and vein and the 
parotid duct comes from under the jaw. To deter- 
mine the nature and character of the pulse, this 
can be more full}^ ascertained by pressing the 
pulse vein against the lower jaw ; when the pulse 
reaches seventy, some degree of fever may be ap- 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



prehended, and proper precaution should be tak- 
en. Eij^hty or ninety may be considered to be in 
an unsafe condition. But few liorses will survive 
when tlie pulse exceeds one hundred. The ener- 
gies of nature are speedily worn out. When it 
beomes necessary to examine the pulse, it should 
be done in a quiet manner. By excitement the 
pulsation will be increased. A quick pulse indi- 
cates irritation and fever. A slow pulse w II indi- 
cate diseases of*opposite character; it accompa- 
nies slugo^ishness, such as colic, feircy, and nearly 
all dropsical affections, and every disease connect- 
ed with the deficiency' of the nervous sj'stem. If 
it becomes necessary to bleed the horse, never 
bleed b}' a certain measurement, but by having 
the finger on the pulse vein, and thereby deter- 
mine the quantity necessar^^ to be taken. 



FEVER. 

By observation there can be noticed four stages 
of fever — weakness, loss of appetite, low^ spirits, 
shivering fits, chills, restlessness; short and quick 
movements can be noticed, nostrils generally dis- 
tended ; legs and ears cold — sometimes one is hot 
while the other is cold ; the coldness is often suc- 
ceeded b}' great heat and thirst; costiveness; 
urine scanty, and often highly colored ; mouth 
hot and dry. When the hcrse is laboring under 
an attack of fever the skin becomes more moist. 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



the bowels and kidneys act more natural, the pulse 
becomes more full, the pulsation is not lessened, 
and more moisture in the mouth can be noticed. 
When there is disease of the lungs, liver, or other 
organs of the body, or should the animal meet 
with any accident of any severity, then it is 
termed Symptomatic Fever. 

In any fever or inflammation, when the pulsa- 
tions are above fifty. Tine, of Aconite Root, 16 
drops, can be administered every two to six hours 
apart, to be continued not over three to four days 
at a time. After the fever is reduced, or the pulse, 
then the following can be given as an alterative: 

Iodide of Potassium, 3 gr. 
Golden {Seal, ^ ounce. 

To be given as a dose as long as the case requires. 

In case of a bilious attack administer Huxom's 
Fluid Ex. of Cinchona, two tablespoonfuls ; add 
six drops of Tine, of Nux Vomica, and give as a 
dose. This is not to be given when the pulse is 
high. And in case of catarrhal affection or dis- 
temper, reduce the fever first by giving Aconite, 
then follow with Tine, of Kux Vomica, 10 drops, 
twice a day or oftener, if the case requires it. 

Should the blood appear to be in an impover- 
ished condition, give Sulphate of Soda, one table- 
spoonful night and morning, for five days or 
longer, if it is required. Also the Syrup of 
Iodide of Iron, 3 drams, to be given as dose 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 




ANATOMY. 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



night and morning, to be continued for a week 
or more. During a high fever lOdrops of Nitric 
Acid, in a bucket of water, can be given once 
a day. . 

In case of loss of appetite or indigestion, if 
this should not be removed the animal will lose 
flesh and will become weak, and will have an un- 
healthy appearance. This affection is often brought 
on by irregular feeding, and by giving too much at 
one time and not enough at another. The follow- 
ing preparation is the best I know of : 

Nitro-muraticum Acid, 4 dr. 

Tine, of Nux Vomica, 8 dr. 

Pepsin, 4 dr. 

Ex. of Taraxicum, 4 dr. 

Symple S\a-up and Aqua Pura, 8 oz. 

Compound all well, then give as a dose one table- 
spoonful after each meal, for a week or longer. To 
be given in 2 oz. of water. 



PNEUMONIA. 

Diagnosis: — Inflammation of the lungs is some- 
times sudden in its attack, but is generally pre- 
ceded by indications of fever. The animal is 
attacked in the incipient stage with a chill ; he 
will hang his head down, have a stupid appear- 
ance, and a lack of brightness in his eves ; the 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



respiration is much embarrassed, and often labori- 
ous ; the pulse is strong and wiry ; the membrane 
of the nose is of an intensely florid red, more 
vivid in the inside corners of the nostrils ; his 
legs standing far apart, extremel3^ cold ; he refuses 
his feed ; a slight cough ; and the horse will not 
lie down. It is known of horses to fall off their 
feet dead while standing. 

Treatment : 

Tine, of Veratrum Yiride, 1 dram. 

Tine, of Aconite, 1 dram. 

Fluid Ex. Gelseminin, 2 drams, mix. 

Then give as a dose 16 drops of tlie mixture. 
This dose is to be given when the pulsations are 
from sixty to sixt3^-five, and to evei-y ten pulsa- 
tions of an increase above sixty, add three more 
drops. Give the medicine in 1 oz. of Aqua Pura. 
This can be repeated at the expiration of two 
hours, and be continued until the pulse is con- 
trolled. Great care should be taken to nurse tlie 
patient well. He sliould be kept free from all 
annoyance. The diet should consist of warm 
bran mashed, and a little shorts to be mixed ; then 
give to him as a dose — 

Fluid Fx. Cinchona, 2 drams. 
Tine, of Nux Vomica, 6 drops. 

At the same time keep the stable clean. Place 
the animal so he can inhale the pure air. Blister 
the patient at the front bgs, or under the abdo- 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



men. After the fever is reduced the horse will 
show more general debility and weakness ; then 
give the patient the following alterative: 

Syrup of Iodide of Iron, 1^ drams. 
Fluid Ex. of Cinchona, 2 dr., mix. 

Give the above as a dose nio-ht and morning. 
Continue till a change is experienced. As soon as 
the patient becomes able, give him daily gentle 
exercise. A change of diet, sliced carrots, oil 
cake, oats and straw. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. 

Diagnosis of inflammation of the stomacli and 
bowels. — This is of frequent occurrence among 
horses of this countr}^ The horse is often at- 
tacked suddenly, and without a rational mode of 
treatment is in danger of d^ing. The animal will 
roll and tumble in order to obtain relief. He 
often throws his head around towards his flank. 
He will turn his lip up. There can be noticed 
reddish pimples in the roof of his mouth. Tiie 
tongue is hot and coated ; his eyes are inflamed ; 
his ears stand forward ; has a quick, light pulse. 
Procure the following: 

Tine, of Opii, J oz. 
Tine, of Aconite, 18 drops. 
Sweet Spii-its of Nitre, 1 oz. 
Aqua distilled, 2 oz. 



10 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



Repeat tins dose every hour until the horse is 
relieved. After the animal is over it, it would be 
a safe plan to give the patient a few bran mashes, 
and to add j oz. Powd. Golden Seal, oats, straw, 
and linseed meal. 



SPASMODIC COLIC. 

Symptoms. — The external s^^mptom.s are nearly 
the same as in flatulent colic or inflammation of 
the stomach, in getting up and down. The pa- 
tient will often lay still when down, and draw his 
legs up against the abdomen. These are true 
symptoms that pain comes periodically. 

Administer the following compound : 

Tine, of Nux Vomica, 8 drops. 
Fluid Ex. of Valerian, 1 oz. 

Give this as a dose, and continue till a change 
is experienced. The dose can be repeated every 
hour or two, according to the nature of the case. 
The pulse is often low, except accompanied by an 
irritation of the urinary organs. 



FLATULENT COLIC. 

Symptoms. — In the incipient stage, before the 
abdomen is distended. The pulse is irregular, 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 11 



often an intermission of tlie beating of the heart, 
and generally becomes depressed, and often in a 
short time the abdomen will become largely dis- 
tended by the fermentation, and the accumulation 
and generation of gas within the stomach. 

Treatment. — The principal object to be accom- 
plished is, first, to give tone to the stomach and 
arouse the digestive functions, and to accomplish 
this you will give the following preparation : 

Bi-Carbonate of Soda, \ oz. 

Fluid Ext. of Ginger, 1 dram. Mix. 

Give the above as a dose. If not relieved in a 
half an hour, repeat the dose; or give Spirits of 
Ammonia, ^ oz., in one pint of lukewarm water. 

Where the abdomen becomes largely distended 
by the generation of gas within the stomach, it 
becomes necessary to open the abdomen with the 
trocar ; this should be passed through the outer 
skin and the peritoneum into the large intestines. 
As soon as the gas has escaped, wash off the part 
well with cold water, and apply a bandage with 
lint on the wound. Keep cold water on the parts. 



SUPPRESSION OF THE URINE. 

Symptoms. — Sometimes the animal will show 
symptoms of pain by rolling and tumbling, and a 
perspiration will be noticed in the flanks of the 



12 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



patient. In some cases the pulse is Iiigb, and in 
others it is not much disturbed. 

Suppression of the urine is often the result of 
spasm of the urethra, and usually disappears soon 
after the application of the following: 

Sweet Spirits of Nitre, H oz. 
Powd. Gum Assafcptida, 2 dr. 
Syrup, 2 oz. 
Tinct. of Aconite, 6 drops. 

Mix, and drench the patient with the same. 
The dose may be repeated at the expiration of 
one hour, if necessar3^ 



DUMMIES. 

General Symptoms. — Loss of appetite; appear- 
ance dull, and stupid, and sleeps', and will hang 
the head down; often stop while eating; the^^ are 
unable to back; stand awkward, and are often in 
an impoverished condition. In driving them, they 
generally work to one side of the road. 

Treatment. — In this disease the patient g;ener- 
ally becomes costive. Give him Roshell Salt, 2 
drams, as a dose; re[)eat night and morning until 
the bowels respond to the medicine. It will be 
necessary to use the float on the grinders. Then 
give night and morning, for a few days, Tinct. of 
Balladonna, 12 drops, in some water. Then follow 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



13 



with the Tine, of Xux YomicH, 10 diops, as a flo«e. 
This can he given night and morning, and con- 
tinued from four to six weeks, or as long as the 
ease requires it. To be given in 1 oz. of Aqua 
Pur a. 




DISEASE OF THE EYE. 

Treatment. — The treatment consists of bathing 
the forehead and the region of the eyes very fre- 
quently with cold water. Keep the patient in a 
dark corner of tiie stable; feed him on sloppy 
mashes. Give him 4 dr. Nitrate Potash as a dose, 
night and morning, for a few days. Should the 
animal manifest much pain, take 1 oz, of Lauda- 
num, 1 dr. of Gl^'cerine, and 3 oz. Rain Water; 
manage to introduce a portion of the same two or 
three times a day within the e3^elids ; then dis- 
solve a half pound of Glauber Salts in tw^o quarts 
of water; when dissolved, stir in about two quarts 
of bran ; set the same before the animal, and he 
will eat it. Should this fail at the expiration of 



14 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



twelve hours to relax the bowels, repeat the close. 
This plan iisiially succeeds in restorins; the healthy 
condition of the parts of the eye. 

In extreme cases it often becomes Dvcar^ cy to 
put setons below the eye; they ought lo be rnu 
downwards; put on the tape venus turp.ntnit'; 
then apply externally in and around tlir ifoion of 
the e3'eball : 

Borate of Soda, ^- (}v. 
Camphor Water. ?> oz. 

Slmke and r.pjjly. 

The following formul:r is also uood for the eye 
of the horse : 

Ext. of BalladouM, ! dr. 
Tine, of Opii, 1^- oz. 
Dist. Water, 1 pint; mix. 

Apph^ over the region of tije eye. Manage to 
get a portion of the mediciui' in tlie eye. 



FOR GENERAL DEBILITY. 

The horse should be fed regular; clean and 
healthy diet has much to do with the health of 
the animal. A clean i^tnble. so that he can inhale 
pure air, and the currycomb and brush applied 
ever}^ morning, are good agents to prevent dis- 
eases. But with all this, the animal will some- 
times get in an impoverished condition ; a loss of 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 15 



appetite, and not tlirive ; itchiness of skin and 
tail; dull and stupid appearance; exhibits genei'al 
debility in working. 

For the above indications procure the follovving: 

Dried Pow. Sulphate of Iron, 5 oz. 

Povv. Genitian, 5 uz. 

Pow. Hydrastis Canedenses, 5 oz. 

Compound all carefully ; give as a dose one 
tablespoonful night an<l morning. This should 
be given in bran mashes and shorts, and occasion- 
ally a dose of linseed meal and carrots has a fine 
effect on the animal. 

In case of a discharge of the nostrils, or an 
attack of epizootic, administer the following: 

Sulphate of Soda, one tablespoonful night and 
morning for a week or longer. 



THICK WIND. 

Symptoma. — This disease can easily be distin- 
guished from wind-broken in horses. The inspi- 
ration and expiration are the same, whereas in 
wind-broken there are two attempts to expel the 
air from the lungs. T know of no cure for wind- 
broken horses, but for thick wind the followins: 
compound is administered: 

Iodide of Potash, 4 oz. 
Fluid Ext. of Stillingia, 1 lb. 
Syrup of Tar, 2 oz. 



16 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



Dose, 2 oz. dail}', in the form of drench. The 
region of the throat should be rubbed daily with 
a portion of the following: 

Cod Liver Oil, 4 oz. 
Tine, of Capsicum, 2 oz. 
Mix well and then apply. 

During the treatment of the patient it is impor- 
tant to keep the animal free from dust. A change 
of feed is good. 



HEAVES IN HORSES. 

Disease of this character differs somewhat from 
thick wind or wund-broken in horses. In the lat- 
ter there is hardly any heaving of the flanks no- 
ticed, while in heaves there is a violent action of 
both flanks, being caused by an affection of the 
diaphragm and the intercostal and other muscles. 
The inspiratioD and expi)-ation are the same, wdiile 
in wind-broken the expiration is accomplished by 
two motions. There is noticed a shoit, dry, hack- 
ing cough, and phlegm is thrown up. During the 
time the animal undergoes treatment he should be 
fed Oil damp food. Then ap[)ly tlie following ex- 
ternally around the afiected parts : 

Cod Liver Oil, 6 oz. 

Aqnamonia, 1 oz. 

Tine, of Canthrides, 2 drams. 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 17 

Mix, and apply once a day; then administer the 
following compound : 

Fluid Ext. of Rosin Weed, 4 oz. 

Fluid Ext. Hoarhound, 3 oz. 

Syrup of Tar, 2 oz. 

Dried Pow. Sulphate of Iron, 3 oz. 

Fluid Ext. of Cubebs, 2 oz. 

Linseed Oil, 3 oz. 

Fluid Ext. Licorice Root, 4 oz. 

Compound all the ingredients well together ; 
then give as a dose 2 oz. night and morning, in 
feed or a pill. Give the patient oil cake once a 
day. 

Change of diet should now be given, such as 
carrots, potatoes, oats, straw. No dustj^ feed 
should be allowed to the horse. 



WORMS IN HORSES. 

This can be recognized by the unthrifty condi- 
tion the horse will be in. He will eat, but will not 
thrive ; the hide appears fast ; there can be no- 
ticed a slimy discharge around the anus ; he will 
appear dull and sleepy. 

Worms often will 3neld by simply giving the 
horse Powdered Mustard or Oil of Turpentine. 
In some cases this kind of medicine will make no 
impression ; then procure the following: 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



Savin, 1^ dr. 
Oil of wormwood, 20 dr. 
Assafoetida, 2 dr. 
Calomel, 1 dr. 

Use Palm Oil and make a pill ; give this as a 
dose; then in the morning procure the following 
medicine : 

Barbadoes Aloes, 15 oz. 
Zingibar, 1 oz. 

Mix, and beat up with 8 oz. of Palm Oil ; give as 
a dose 1^ oz. Continue to give this until the 
bowels respond to the medicine. 




CHRONIC STIFFNESS AND LAMENESS 
OF THE SHOULDER AND HIP. 

There are obvious causes which go to pro- 
duce diseases of this character. Stables kept too 
warm, and not enough pure air in them ; warming 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 19 



the animal by driving, and then leaving him stand 
without a blanket until he chills. It is sometimes 
brought on by a heavy strain, and cold rains. 
Diseases of this character being confined to one 
or both shoulders, is often followed by similar 
wasting of the spinatus muscles, and is often 
termed sween}'. The same conditions, however, 
may be the consequence of diseased feet, for we 
have often observed an atrophy or wasting of the 
above muscles in animals that have long been the 
subjects of chronic liminitis and altered strictures 
about the feet. The stiffness and lameness, if 
there be any, attending rheumatism disappears to 
a certain extent after a brisk trot ; whereas acute 
rheumatic pains are generally aggravated by ex- 
ercise. 

Treatment for chronic affection of the shoulders 
and hip : 

In preparing a horse for an operation, first wash 
off the shoulders and legs down to the hoof with 
warm water and castile soap ; rub the shoulders 
and limbs until the}'^ become dry ; then, for acute 
rheumatism, use a trocar; pass the instrument 
through the outer skin and membrane ; then put 
in through the tube of the trocar Fluid Extract 
of Black Cohosh, one teaspoonful, or as much as 
the case may require. 

For chronic stiffness use Hydrastis Can. Fluid 
Ext., J dram ; put this through the tube of the 
trocar. 



20 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 

For sweeny alone, Tine, of Myrrb, ^ dr. ; Aqua 
Pura, 1 oz. ; mix, and put through one teaspoon- 
ful, or a larger quantity if the case requires it. 

For chronic stiffness apply externally, once 
every third da}^, a portion of the following com- 
pound : 

Fulv. Hydrargyria Chloridum, 1 oz. 

Gum Camphor, 1^- oz. 

Oil of Spike, ^ oz. 

Spirits of Turpentine, 1 pint. 

Compound all well, and shake well before ap- 
plying. 

For acute rheumatism use the following : 
Spirits of Camphor, 4 oz. 
Castile Soap, 2 drams. 
Tincr. of Arnica, 1 oz. 
Aquamonia, 1 oz. 
Chloroform, 1 oz. 

Mix all well. The shoulders and limbs should 
be washed every morning ; rub well, and every 
third morning a portion of medicine is applied to 
the parts affected. 

Should it appear that the hoof is affected, make 
a box, fill it with warm water, then let the animal 
stand in it each day for three hours, and apply the 
hoof medicine. The size of the box should be 
two feet and a half in length, sixteen inches in 
width, and nine inches high. After the hoof is 
well soak out, and then use the hoof compound. 




HOOF AND ITS DISEASES. 



The outer wall of the hoof, when health}^, will 
have a smooth, level surface. Protuberances or 
rino's around the crust indicate that the horse has 
liad fever in the feet, and to such a degree as to 
produce an unequal growth of the horn, and often 
leaves some injurious consequence in the internal 
part of the hoof. Should there appear sinking or 
depression in the front of the hoof, it indicates a 
disease of the cartileges, and the coffin joint will 
sink, and the result will be a flat or pumiced sole. 
If the hollow appears at the quarters, it is the 
worst kind of contraction. 

In preparing the hoof for the shoe, it is of the 
utmost importance to preserve the natural pitch 
from the pastern joint down to the bottom. Hard- 
ly two horses can be found with the same pitch. 
The frog should never be touched with the knife. 
If the hoof is healthy the bars should be preserved 



22 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



in order to have a Iiealthy hoof. Hot shoes should 
never be applied to the hoof. The shoe should be 
fitted to the hoof, and not the hoof to the shoe. 
The nails should be driven well to the outside, so 
as not to come in contact with the sensitive part 
of the inner hoof. 

Should there be any corns noticed in the cor- 
ners of the heel, in the bottom, they must be care- 
fully removed with the knife, and a few drops of 
Chromic Acid, diluted, dropped in the parts affec- 
ted, and the cavity filled with rubber. 

Should the hoof be diseased, let the patient stand 
in a box of warm water three hours each day. Af- 
ter the hoof is well, sponge out; then apply in 
and around the hoof the following: 

Cosmoline, 1 lb. 
Barbadoes Tar, 4 oz. 

Mix well, and apply once a day. 



RING BONE AND SPAVIN CURBS. 

Affections of this character are produced by a 
strain-bruise, and often occur before the animal is 
worked. The pastern and the lower joints contain 
sinovial fluid. The leakaoe of the sinovial fluid 
forms an ossious matter, and if not properly treat- 
ed becomes ossified ; then it is termed a ring bone 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 23 

or spavin, which signifies a callous or bony en- 
largement. 

Treatment.-- \\\ the treatment of ring bone or 
spavin curbs, the same rule must be observed, 
that the animal should have absolute rest, and all 
inflammation must be removed. Then the parts 
affected should be well bathed with castile soap 
and warm water. Then apply Muriate Tinct. of 
Iron ; or apply once a day — 

Tine, of Aconite Root, 2 oz. 
Pure Olive Oil, i\ oz. 
Creosote, 1 oz. 
Tine, of Arnica, 2 oz. 
Mix all well, and apply once a day. 

After the lameness is stopped, and the inflam- 
mation is carefully removed, should there be an 
ossified enlargement left, then procure — 

Cosmoline, 4^ oz. 
Biniodide of Mercury, i oz. 
Charcoal, ^ dram. 
Cantharides, \ oz. 

Compound the ingredients well together; wash 
off" the parts where the medicine is to be applied 
each time with imported castile soap and warm 
water, after they become dry. Then rub in thor- 
oughly in the parts aff'ected a portion of the above 
compound. Do not leave the animal reach the 
parts where the medicine is applied for seven hours. 
Let the medicine act for two days. Then wash off 



24 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 

the parts atfected with lukewarm water and castile 
soap. After the parts become dry, rub in Cosmo- 
line each morning for four morninos. If the 
parts are not too so)e or scal}^, apply the medi- 
cine again. 

Lard can be employed, to be mixed with the 
mercury, to form the salve. Lard can also be 
used to stop the action of the medicine. 



BLOOD SPAVIN, PUFFS. 

Ailments of this kind are generally located at 
the hind knee joint, and are often to be seen in 
colts. This complicated joint contains a number 
of sacs, in which are deposited the necessary 
secretion of fluids to lubricate this complicated 
joint. By a bruise or strain of this joint these 
sacs appear to become relaxed or ruptured, and 
the fluid is no longer confined and emploj'ed in its 
natural state, but forms a large sac under the lin- 
ing membrane of the outer skin, which is then 
termed a puff. 

To remove this fluid safeU^, and without injury 
to the joint, it must be done with medicine, or an 
instrument called an Aspirator. With this in- 
strument the fluid can be removed without letting 
air into the parts ; then throw in the parts a solu- 
tion of Iodine, to absorb the sac, or a solution of 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 25 

Monsel Solution of Iron can be thrown in the 
sac, to act as an astringent. Then the joint is 
prepared to apply a compression. Rubber com- 
press is the best. Before the compression is ap- 
plied, Monsel Solution of Iron is applied to the 
parts once a day, to be continued as long as neces- 
sary. 

Should it become necessary to employ a more 
powerful agent, apply the following: 

Iodine Ointment, 4 oz. 
Biniodide of Mercury, ^ dram. 

Should this be too active, add Cosmoline. 

This medicine can only be applied once every 
four to six days, and every second day the parts 
must be washed off and lard applied, so as to keep 
the parts smooth and healthy, and to preserve the 
hair. 



INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 

The kidneys are placed under the loins. They 
are in a long, oval shape. The right kidney is 
extended more forward, lying under the liver. 
The left you find more backward, towards the 
stomach and spleen. Nearl}^ the one-sixth of the 
blood that passes through the system is carried 
in arteries through the kidneys. 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 2T 



Symptoms. — The horse has a straddling gait, 
often attempting to make water. He has difficulty 
in turning around short, or stepping over obsta- 
cles that come in his wa3^; strains in attempting 
to make water; the water is often highly colored, 
and in extreme cases is tinged with blood. He 
exhibits o-reat weakness in the hind extremities. 



tj' 



TrealmenL — Light diet, and that of a clean 
and health3'^ character. Sloppy bran mashes and 
a few shorts should constitute the diet. A mild 
blister should be applied over the region of the 
kidneys, or a warm cloth laid over them, to be 
continued as long as necessary. Then administer 
the following compound : 

Oil of Juniper, 20 to 40 minims. 
Tinct. of Digitalis, 30 to 50 minims. 

This can be given as a dose night and morning, 
or oftener if it is nccessar\^ Do not continue the 
Digitalis too long. 

Fluid Ext. of Buchu, 1^- oz., is also indicated as 
a dose night and morning. A mild blister, com- 
posed of — 

Burgunda Pitch, 4 oz. 
Arnica, 1 oz. 

Muriate Tinct. of Iron, 1 oz. 
Cantliarides, ^ dram. 

(More if the case requires it,) may be applied over 



28 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



the region of the kidneys. If the application is 
not too severe, leave it lay on for a week or more. 



BUTTON FARCY. 

The animal may appear healthy in the evening, 
and in the morning he may be found terribly 
swollen in one of his legs. It may be nearly 
twice the size of the other, and an examination of 
the pulse will show a high fever. This will often, 
for the time being, disappear. If nothing is done 
to alleviate the pain the animal will be attacked 
again in the same way. Soon there will be no- 
ticed making their appearance little tumors, called 
buttons, at the inside of the hind legs, and if the 
animal is left alone they will make their appear- 
ance in the thigh, inside of the limb. 

The foUowing treatment always proved success- 
ful in my practice. The animal will generally be 
found costive ; administer the following : 

Fluid Kxt. of Podophillin, 1 oz. 
Fluid Ext. of Leptandrum, 1 oz. 
Tinct. of Aloes, 1 oz. 

Mix and divide into three doses, to be given 
twelve hours apart. Give one as a dose until the 
bowels respond to the medicine; then follow with 
Fowler's Solution of Arsenic, from one to three 
grains as a dose ; add Tinct. of Cantharides, two 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 29 

grains, night and morning ; to be continued as 
the case requires it. Or Sulphite of Soda, one 
tablespoonful niglit and moruing, is indicated. 

The button or ulceration must be cauterized 
with Caustic Potash. 



COUGH IN HORSES. 

This is brought on liy taking cold, and is some- 
times the result of iinpi-oper treatment of distem- 
per. Horses often can be noticed coughing for 
years, and if left alone will terminate in thick 
wind and heaves. Dust of any ciiaracter will 
irritate disease of this character. Should the 
above be caused by the irritation of the lining 
membrane of the respiratory orifice, the following 
can be given : 

Tinct. of Balladona, 5 drops. 

Cubebs, 3 gr. 

Syrup of Squills, 1 to 3 oz. 

Tinct. of Ipecacuanha, I oz. or more. 

Compound and give as a dose, and continue as 
long as the case requires it. Or the following can 
be given : 

Fluid Ext. of Indian Hemp, 1 oz. 

Syrup of Balsam of Tulu, 2 oz. 

Balsam Copaiba, 1 oz. 

Compound and give as a dose one tablespoonful 
twice a day. 



30 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



A change of food often becomes necessary, such 
as carrots, potatoes, oats, straw, and occasionally 
linseed meal. 



FEIRCY— ABDOMINAL DROPSY. 

Symptomx. — Dropsical swellings in the sheath 
and limbs. The abdomen is enlarged. The appe- 
tite is not good, and the animal is thirsty. The 
external symptoms show unthriftiness and de- 
bility. 

Treatment. — The disease being of a prostrating 
character, the patient's strength must be sus- 
tained. Give 1 dram Pow. Genitian, and the same 
quantit\' of Golden Seal, and 1 dram Pul. Dried 
Sulphate of Iron, night and morning, in a few 
oats or shorts, and rub the external swelling once 
daily with Oil of Cedar. 



FISTULA AND POLL EVIL. 

Ailments of this character are the result of an 
impoverished condition of the blood of the ani- 
mal, and if in this condition the animal should 
receive a blow on the top of the shoulders or neck, 
near the head, inflammatory^ swelling will arise, 
and will terminate in a running abscess, and form 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



tubes and pipes. It is then termed Fistula and 
Poll Evil. 

In the incipient stage of this disease it can be 
treated and cured by giving Sulphite of Soda, one 
tablespoonful in bran mashes, night and morning, 
for a week, loathe the external parts with cold 
water, and apply — 

Olive Oil, 4 oz. 

Spirits of Ammonia, 2 oz. 

Mix and apph' once a day. 

If it has once formed a running abscess, the 
tubes or wound must be probed with an instru- 
ment, and after it is known in which direction 
they extend a seton needle must be passed trough 
the tube or affected part. Use worsted tape to 
put in the needle Or cut down with a knife and 
remove the tubes and the formation of pus ; then 
dress the wound, and apply on the tape Acetate 
of Copper, 1 dram; Cosmoline, 1 oz. Mix and 
apply once or twice a da}'. 

The following is also good : Sulphate of Cop- 
per, ^- oz.; Aqua Pura Dist., from ^ to 1 pint. 
Apply night and morning. 

Should there be any enlargement left, apply the 
following compound : 

Iodide of Lead, ^ oz. 
Lard, 4 oz. 

- " Mix- well and -apply to the enlargement. -*- ' " 



32 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 

DISTEMPER AND INFLUENZA. 

Disease of this character affects young horses 
and colts. Older horses are also subject to it, but 
not so frequently as the young. Affection of this 
nature is more apt to make its appearance in 
spring and autumn, should the blood be in an 
impoverished condition ; and if in this condition 
the animal be exposed on a cold and rainy day, or 
driven till he becomes warm, and left without a 
blanket, and no care taken of him, or fed and 
watered when too hot, it will bring on Influenza 
and Distemper. 

Symptoms. — In the incipient stage the animal 
may be taken with a shivering fit or chill. This 
is soon succeeded by fever ; his limbs and ears 
will become icy cold ; he is inclined to hang his 
head down ; to approach him he will show symp- 
toms of pain, being afraid to be touched, and 
often there can be heard a rattling noise within 
his throat, extending down towards the lungs. 
If the animal is left alone, swellings under the 
inferior maxillary will take place, pus will accu- 
mulate, and it is often necessar3^ to open the tume- 
faction, so that the pus can have a free discharge. 
He also exhibits pain in turning around short, and 
is unwillino; to be moved. 

Treatment. — Should the patient have high fever, 
administer It drops of Tinct. of Aconite Root as 
a dose. This dose can be given every two to four 



e^n>nB<ilPMM 



hours apart. As soon as the pulse is controlled, 
give the patient Tinct. of Nux Vomica, 11 drops, 
as a dose, night and morning. Should the appetite 
not be good, give the patient tiie following prepa- 
ration : 

Nitro-muraticum Acid, 4 drams. 

Tinct. of Nux Vomica, 8 dr. 

Pepsin, 4 dr. 

Ext. of Taraxicum, 4 dr. 

Symple Syrui) and Aqua Pura, 8 oz. 

Compound all well together; then give as a 
dose one tablespoonful three or four times a day. 
Then follow with — 

Pow. Hydrastis Canedenses, 6 oz. 
Dried Powdered Sulphate of Iron, 6 oz. 

Mix ; then give as a dose one tablespoonful 
night and morning, in bran mashes and shorts. 
Place the patient in a good, comfortable stable, 
and keep him free from all annoyances. This has 
much to do towards making a speedy and perma- 
nent cure. 



NASAL GLEET. 

This is the result of improper treatment of dis- 
temper and the epizootic after it becomes chronic. 
It is generally located on the mucous membrane 
of the throat and nostrils. The discharge of the 
nostrils will continue for years if not treated, and 



34 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 

finally will become offensive. The external appear- 
ance of tlie animal would indicate the patient to 
enjoy good health. 

This affection can he cured. Keep the bowels 
open ; do not expose the patient to night air or 
heavy winds. Then give the following: 

Chloride of Potassium, 1 dr. 
Powd. H3'drastis Can., I- oz. 

Mix, and give as a dose night and morning for 
a week, or as long as the case may require. Give 
occasionally Sulphate of Quinine, 1 dr. Should 
the animal become costive, give liim 1 oz. of Rhu- 
barb. Use the following as an injection: 

Brorao-Chloralum, 1 oz. 
Soft Water, 1 pint. 

Mix, and shake well before using. Throw a 

portion of the solution up the nostrils, by means 

of a syringe, twice a da}'. Continue until a 
change is experienced. 



TO PREVENT TORTURE BY FLIES 
' AND OTHER INSECTS. 

Walnut Leaves, 3 oz. 
Golden Seal Root, 3 oz. 
Smart weed, ^ oz. 
Boiling Water, -}s gal. 
Macerate all well. After the strength is all 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 35 



taken out, then filter through a cloth, and arid 
3 oz. of Tinct. of Aloes and Carbolic Acid in solu- 
tion ; then npply to the surface a portion of the 
mixture. 



GREASE AND SV\/'ELLED LEGS. 

Diseases of this character are the result of an 
impoverished condition of the blood, and are often 
produced through neglect b}' the owner of the ani- 
mal ; standing him in an unclean stable, and not 
having sufficient pure air to inhale. The first to 
be accomplished is to correct the morbid condi- 
tion, and to secure this give the following: 

Should the animal be costive, administer Ro- 
shell Salt, two tablespoonfuls, as a dose night and 
morning; continue till the bowels respond to the 
medicine. Then give internalh' — 

Iodide of Fotassa, 4 gr. 
Pow. Genitian, ^ oz. 

Give this as a dose night and morning, as long 
as the case may require it. 

Then appl}^ externally : Take one ball of Con- 
centrated L3-e, and dissolve it in two gallons of 
water; then take a teacu[) half full and put it in a 
bucket half full of cold water, nnd wash the parts 
well night and morning. 

Should tlie skin appear uneven and rough, and 



36 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 

hard to cure, apply externally the following ahout 
the parts affected : 

Cupri Nitras or Nitrate of Copper, 1 oz. 
Aqua Pura, 1 pint. 

To heal the parts, keep them clean and apply 
the following once or twice a day : 

Acetate of Copper, 1 dram. 
Cosmoline, 1 oz. 

For sores which contain no proud flesh Cosmo- 
line can be employed. 



LOCKJAW. 

This disease is characterized by the rigidit}' of 
various muscles of the body. The animal has not 
lost entirely the power of swallowing; can drink 
and eat a little, and take medicine. In this case 
the horse is curable. In all cases it is supposed 
to depend on irritation, directly or indirectly, of 
the excito motor system of the true spinal cord. 
If this be true, (and we iiave no reason to doubt 
it,) then surgical operations in view of removing 
the cause are not only useless, but injurious, for 
the malady has migrated be3'ond the I'eaeh of the 
surgeon's knife. 

Treatment. — Administer Chloroform in 2-dram 
doses until the jaws become unlocked. Also, 
Tinct. of Aconite and the Tinct. of Balladonna 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. B% 

can be employed with success. Externall}^ rub in 
the parts — 

Sulphuric Ether, 4 oz. 
Olive Oil, 4 oz. 
Aquamonia. ^ oz. 

Rub this in the neck and back once a day as 
long as the case may require it. 



MEGRIMS. 

Megrims in horses is supposed to be analogous 
to epilepsy in man. Horses subject to this affec- 
tion will appear dull and stupid when working, 
and at a later period will be seized with a sudden 
fit. and drop down while at work; on other occa- 
sions they will run over or into an}' obstacle that 
may happen to be in the road ; will be seized with 
convulsions, and become insensible. 

The following is the treatment the animal should 
receive. If he does not exhibit too much weak- 
ness, give him a copious bleeding and let him 
inliale Aquamonia. Under this treatment he will 
recover. 

Should the patient be costive, give him a suffi- 
cient quantity of Roshell Salt; then follow with 
Ni crate of Potass. Pow.. 1 dram, every night, and 
in the morning give Pul. Hydrastis Can., ^- 02., as 
a dose, as long as the case may require it. 



38 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 




PRURIGO. 

Disease of this character is recognized b^ the 
animal rubbing his neck and body. The origin of 
nearh^ all skin diseases prevalent among horses is 
due to neglect and uncleanliness, and if this should 
be the cause of this malady, then it requires clean- 
liness of tiie skin in order to reraov^e the cause ; 
then administer the following medicine : 

Stdi)hite of Soda, t oz.; give as a dose one ta- 
blespoonful night and morning. Then apply lo- 
call}^, b}'" means of a sponge, or rub it in with your 
hands, two tablespoonfuls of Sal Soda, in two 
quarts of water; or apply a weak solution of Car- 
bolic Acid. Continue until the animal is well. 



SURFEIT. 

Surfeit somewhat resembles the nettle-rash of 
tumors, varying in size, and suddenly appears in 
various pai'ts of the body and limbs. They create 
an intolerable itching sensation, and when punc- 



tured a watery fluid escapes. Surfeit is often the 
result of derangement of the digestive organs. 

The treatment consists in being careful in feed- 
ing the animal. He sliould be fed on bran and 
corn meal. Then administer the following com- 
pound : 

Fluid Ext. of Podophyllin, 1 dr. 
Fluid Ext. of Taraxicum, 1 dr. 
Fluid Ext. of Rhubarb, 1 dr. 

Compound the ingredients all well together, and 
give as a dose night and morning. Continue until 
the bowels respond to the medicine. 



TUMORS— WARTS. 

Tumors may be recognized and defined as swel- 
lings of different sizes, without any inflammation 
existing where the tumor appears. They diflfer 
from each other in their growth and development. 
Closing of the sebaceous openings of the parts is 
one of the primary causes; hence the elevations, 
swelling and filling up in certain parts and i)or- I 
tions of the skin, which contain the sebaceous or 
suet-like matter. 

The treatment consists of opening the tumor 
with the knife and injecting Tincture of Iodine. 
Then the wound must be treated the same as other 
wounds. 



40 SYSTExM AND TREATISE. 

CANCER TUMORS. 

Tumors of this character have a raw and bhjody 
appearance at times. In the treatment of affec- 
tions of this kind it is important to get rid of the 
blood poison, whieli is generally the primary cause 
of this disease. Administer the following: 

Sulphite of Soda, -^ oz. 
Pow. Genitian, ^ oz. 

Give this as a dose night and morning. 

The local treatment consists in cutting off the 
tumor and then applying Chromic Acid or Caus- 
tic Potash. 




THRUSH. 

This affection is of frequent occurrence among 
horses in our countrj-. It is not so easily man- 
aged, from the peculiar tendency in the horse's 
foot to grow and produce proud flesh, which is the 
essential principle of the affection. Thrush in the 
foot of a horse may be said to be a foot deprived 
of a frog and sole, in place of which the fungus is 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 41 



formed. The primary causes are produced by 
bruises or injuries to the sensitive part of the sole. 

In the treatment of affection of this character 
the proud flesli or fungus must be removed with 
the knife; then treat the parts with a solution of 
Carbolic Acid. The following medicine is then 
used to heal : 

Pul. Verdigris, 1 dram. 
Cosmoline, 1 oz. 

Mix, and apply once a day until the parts are 
well. During the operation tlie parts must be 
kept clean. 



BRONCHOCELE. 

The cause of Bronchocele is yet obscure. It 
consists of lumps at tlie neck, often involving the 
gland of the neck. The tumors or enlargements 
are located under the inferior maxillary in the 
bend of the neck, from the mouth toward the 
stomach. They often become very large, and will 
have a tendency of affecting the wind of the ani- 
mal, and if left alone will finally destroy him. 
Dogs are subject to this disease. 

Affection of this character is evidently produced 
by a blood poison, and will disappear in a short 
time b}' administering the following treatment: 



42 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 

Sulphite of Soda, 2 drams, night and morning 
for six days, or as long as the case raa^' require it. 
Then wash off the place where disease is located 
with castile soap and warm water, and apply ex- 
ternally the following compound : 

Red Iodide of Mercury, 2 drams. 
Iodine Ointment, 4 oz. 

Compound the two ingredients together, and 
rub a portion of the medicine in the parts affected 
once a day. Should the parts become sore, apply 
Cosmoline for a few days. 



DIARRHCEA— DYSENTERY. 

Disease of this character is more frequent 
among colts than horses that have come to ma- 
turity. As this disease is generally known among 
horsemen, it will not be necessary to describe it. 
The following compound of medicine will prove 
successful : 

Opii Pul., H gi". 
Tanic Acid, 6 gr. 
Sub-Nitrate of Bismuth, 6 gr. 

Compound all well, and give as a dose everj'' two 
hours until relieved. 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 43 

LINIMENT. 

FOR STRAINS AROUND THE JOINTS. 

Spirits of Camphor, 4 oz. 
Castile Soap, 2 dr. 
Tinct. of Arnica, 1 oz. 
Chloroform, 1 oz. 
Compound all well, and apply as often as the 
case may require it. 

For strains around joints. Muriate Tincture of 
Iron, 6 oz. In all affections of this kind wash off 
the parts diseased befcjre applying the medicines. 

TO REMOVE ENLARGEMENTS. 

First wash off the parts where the liniment is 
to be applied. Then rub in a small portion of the 
following compound : 

Tinct. of Iodine, 1 cz. 
Tinct. of Cantharide?, 2 oz. 
Croton Oil, 1 dr. 

Compound and apply to the parts aflfected. 
The following da}^ ^ppl.y Olive Oil. 



OBSTRETRICS. 

At present, and in times gone by, some so-called 
ox)erators and illiterate men resorted to barbar- 
ous means to deliver the colt. The more intelli- 



44 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 

gent will leave nature work its course, which gener- 
ally proves the most successful. Before it is born 
the colt lays with its four legs under the abdomen. 
The front limbs are turned under extending back- 
wards, while the hinder legs are extended forward, 
and the head is turned around and lays in the 
flanks. This is the natural position the colt occu- 
pies when all is rii^ht. But 1 have found the colt, 
while in the womb, in all kinds of positions, and 
often so doubled up tliat it becomes necessar\^ to 
turn it in proper sliape, to assist nature in present- 
ing her offspring. I iiave found it necessary in 
some cases, especially where there have been igno- 
rant operators employed, to dissect the colt before 
it could be born. In this operation it requires the 
operator to be in possession of an embr3'otomy 
knife. It is impossible to accomplish the work 
safely with a straight knife. The implement men- 
tioned is manufactured for this purpose only; and 
in order to be successful with or without the knife, 
the operator ought to be in possession of an em- 
bryotomy^ hook, vvhich is certainly a useful instru- 
ment in this particular operation, where there are 
great pains. Chloroform can be given in ^ ounce 
doses, to relax the muscles, in order to assist 
nature. 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 45 



FOUNDER. 

Tlie primary causes that produce disease of this 
character are driving the animal until he is warmed 
up, and then letting him stand to cool off witliout 
a blanket, or feeding when too liot. Should the 
blood be in an inii)overished condition, the animal 
will be attacked in the incipient stage with a chill, 
and the result is an unequal arterial circulation of 
the blood. The animal will become stiff, nearl^^ 
unable to walk. The disease will locate in tlie hoofs 
if they are diseased and tender; or if the lungs, 
eyes, or kidneys are the weakest, it will settle 
there. In nearly every case the animal will be 
found constipated. To correct this give the fol- 
lowing compound : 

Podophyllin, Leptandrum, of each, l(> gr. 
Ext. Nux Vomica, 11 gr. 
Ext. Taraxicum, 4 gr. 

Mix, and compound into 15 pills. Administer 
3 as a dose, iiight and morning, until tiie bowels 
respond to the medicine. Then give tiie following 
compound as an alterative tonic: 

Tinct. of Cinchona, 5 dr. 

Tinct. of Ferri Chloride, or Muriate Tincture of 
Iron, 1 dr. 

Liquor Arsenica, or Fowler's Solution of Ar- 
senic 1 dr. 

Add Symple S3'rup, 2 oz. 

Then administer as a dose from 30 to 40 minims 



three times a day. Tiiis is not to be coDiinned 
Ions at a time. 



ANTIDOTES 

FOR THE FOLLOWING MEDICINES. 

Chromic Acid, - - Bicai'bonate of Soda. 

Caustic Potass., _ . _ . Vinegar. 

Prepared Chalk.) t-. , ^^^ 

oi ^ ,r., . 1 ' - - - - - E^of's millv. 
Jilue V itriol, ) ^^ 

Sulphate of Iron.) ^,, , ^ 

T.. ., ,. ' - - - - - (Stimulate 

Digitalis, ) 

Calomel, Egg's milk. 

Aqua Ammonia, Vinegar. 

Fowler's Solution, Hydrated Peroxide of Iron. 

( Mustard, warm water, Salera- 
Nux Vomica, - ■ ratus, Copperas ; both dis- 
( solved in water. 

Tinct. of Aconite, Give Nux Vomica and stimu- 
lants, and exercise the patient. 

In nearly all mercurial poison the wdiites of eggs 
and Chloride of Lime can be given. 
For Balladonna, Opium is indicated. 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 47 



TESTIMONIALS. 



The exalted opinion the American people have 
of Prof. E. J. DoNECKEN, for renderino- such valu- 
able service and scientific information on the ail- 
ments of the horse, is sliown by extracts from the 
leading papers and autograph letters in his pos- 
session, which speak of him as a man where he is 
known, and of the curative knowledge he y^os- 
sesses, in the most glowino; and commendable 
terms. No traveling surgeon ever received such 
commendation from the public as is accoi'ded Dr. 
Donecken, and he justly deserves it. 

The following testimonials are from the papers 
and prominent men of our countrv. 



EXTRACTS FROM THE PRESS. 

\From the ''Orange County Press,'' A'. Y., Dec. 21, i8']8.\ 

A Successful Veterinary Surgeon. — Dr. E. 
J. Donecken, ^''eterinary Surgeon, who has been 
spending a number of weeks in this locality, has 
had extraordinary success in treating many chron- 
ic cases of severe lameness in horses, some of 
which had been nearly useless for more than three 



48 SYSTEM ANT) TREATISE. 



years. One of the most severe cases was that of 
a horse belonging to Mr. A. W. Mcl3ri'le, of West- 
town. This horse had been lame for a number of 
years, so that he traveled with great difficult}^, and 
was rapidly becoming useless, being so stitf at 
times as to barel3^ walk. The muscles of the shoul- 
ders were very much wasted, and the feet badly 
contracted. The case had been handled b}' vari- 
ous parties without success, all agreeing in pro- 
nouncing it a ''hard" case. The liorse was put 
under Dr. Donecken's treatment about three 
months ago. He is now perfectly cured, and 
has been worked and driven on the road for the 
past two weeks without showing a trace of lame- 
ness. This is but a type of many similar cases 
which the Doctor has treated in this county, some 
of them being in town, and all with uniform suc- 
cess. We believe the Doctor to be thoroughly 
skilled in his profession, and cordially commend 
liim to all who need the services of a veterinary 
surgeon. 

A gentleman living in Middletown, who wished 
to verify what the Doctor said of his former expe- 
rience, wrote several weeks since to Uriah Bitzer, 
of Lancaster, Pa., the owner of the celebrated 
" Judge Livingstone," the horse which the Doctor 
so successfnlly treated, as mentioned heretofore in 
the " Press," and received a reph' as follows : 

Lancaster, Pa., Dec. 12, 18t7. 

Mr. John W. Slaavson — Dear Sir: You will 
please excuse me for not answering your letter 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 49 



sooner, as I v.'as awa}'' frora liome. I know Dr. 
Donecken well. He treated two horses for me, 
and a great many others in the neighborhood, and 
was snccessfnl in almost every case. 

Respectfully, Uriah Bitzer. 



[From ''American Volunteer^' Carlisle, Pa., Feb. 6, iSyg^ 

Remarkable Cures. — Prof. E. J. Donecken, 
Veterinary Surgeon, has oi)e rated upon and treat- 
ed in tlie last seven Aveeks, in Cumberland county, 
Pa., over one hundred horses, for the most obvi- 
ous and complicated diseases and blemishes to 
which the equine ftimil}^ is peculiarly subject. He 
stands unrivalled as a surgeon. Prominent horse- 
men from this and other States and counties will 
bear testimony to his superior skill in overcoming 
diseases and removing blemishes ; and some of 
the leading horsemen and papers further East 
speak of him, and of his treatment and cures, in 
the most satisfactory manner. He has in his pos- 
session several hundred autograph letters from 
leading mei?, who speak in the highest terms of 
his operations, treatment and cures. He is worthy 
the attention of every intelligent horse owner. 



50 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



AUTOGRAPH LETTEKS. 

Churhctown, Cumberland Co., Pa., 

January 1, 1879. 

We, the undersigned, do testify that we are per- 
sonally acquainted with Professor K. J. Donecken. 
He has operated on and treated a number of our 
best iiorses in this country for internal diseases 
and external blemishes, and has performed the 
most remarkable and astonishing cures. He cured 
here for Mr. M. Landis a horse in five days ; stop- 
ped all lameness. The horse was treated by other 
surgeons for lameness in the hind leg and hip for 
one year, without success ; tbev left the horse so 
lame that he was unable to leave the stable. The 
Professor removed splint here in one night, and 
left no scar, and removed ringbone with one opera- 
tion, and removed the entire lump or callous. All 
lameness was stopped, and no scar. He also treat- 
ed dummies, which were so. bad as to make the 
horses entirely useless, with the same success, and 
many others he operated and treated with great 
success. Having seen demonstrations of his abil- 
ity and skill, w^e can recommend him and his oper- 
ations as the best and most scientific we have ever 
seen or heard of. He operated and treated horses 
three vears aoo at York Snrino;s with the same 
success, and the animals then treated are sound 
now. 

H. W. Landis, Daniel Planks, Y. S., 

Sam'l a. Bessel, M. a. Landis, 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 51 

J. J. HoERNER, John Fought, 

S. H. Bowers, Thos. U. Chambers, 

W. Beigler, Eev. 0. C. Bartles, 

A. G. Strock, a. W. Plank, 

Geo. a. Plank, G. A. Baker, 

D. H. Westfall, V. S., J. H. Stouffer, 

A. L. Miller, J. A. Breneman, 

Michael Landis, 
J. B. Floyd, Carlisle, Pa., Clerk of CumberlarKl 

County Courts. 
R. M. Graham, Carlisle, Pa., Prothonotary of 

Cumberland Count}^ 
W. H. Bretz, Liveryman, Carlisle, Pa. 



Mifflinburg, Union Co , Pa., 

' October 10, 1878. 

To all whom this may concern : — I am person- 
ally acquainted with Dr. E. J. Donecken. He 
operated on three oj my horses. One of them 
was affected in the muscles of the shoulders and 
flexor tendon, and in the hoof. He got so sore 
and lame that he became useless to me. I secured 
the profess ional services of Dr. E. J. Donecken, 
and his operation made the horse perfectly sound ; 
he feels now like a colt again. The other horse 
he operated was dumb — a bad case. I could not 
keep him tied, in or out of the stable. He would 
throw his feed on the ground, and then tr}^ to eat ; 
hang his head down ; could hardly back him out 



52 SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



of tlie stall, and lie would stand and walk awk- 
ward. Sin(3e the operation and treatment be backs 
out of the stall himself, holds his head right, and 
walks and stands well. I pi'ononnce him welL 
He does not l)reak loose any more. The third 
horse, a valuable on*-, had large puffs at tlie hind 
knee-joint, and the Doctor had the same success as 
with the others. I know of other horses he treat- 
ed here. He removed Ijone spavin and splint, 
taking the entire callous away, and no scar or 
lameness is left. He also treated a horse that was 
nearly blind ; by times it could hardly see. The 
animal's eyes arc now entirely clear, and the}' are 
restored and made perfectly sound. We never 
had a horse surgeon in this country- to operate on 
suc!i complicated cases, and establish such remark- 
able cures as Dr. E. J. Donecken accomplished. 
We can say of a truth tliat he is the best that we 
have knowledge of. 

M. G. Reed, Chief Bui-gess, Mifflinburg, Pa. 

B. F. Eeighard, Merchant, 

Wm. R. Wagner, W. Reichards, M.D., 

J. R. Gast, M.D., Oliver P. Mench. 



Lancaster City, Pa., Nov. 28, ISIG. 

This is to certify that I, Uriah Bitzer, owner 
and breeder of fine thoroughbred horses, and own- 
er of the Keystone Hotel of this c\t\\ am person- 
ally acquainted with Prof. E. J. Donecken. I em- 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 53 

ployed him six months ago on two of my best 
race-horses, wliich were so used up on the Suffolk 
Park race-(!onrse, Philadelphia, that they were 
considered by all the best horse surgeons and 
liorsemen incurable. One of my horses, known as 
'•Judge Livingstone." made his mile in 2:24, and 
got so used up in the front shoulders and hoof 
that he was almost unable to move at any gait. 
I had him doctored by surgeons from Philadel- 
phia, Boston and New York, for nearly two years, 
with no success. Finally 1 got the services of 
Prof. E. J. Donecken. Five months ago he ope- 
rated on him, and now he is perfectly well, and 
able to stand the track. I think he has got the 
finest operations in this country. He uses the 
best and safest medicine. Such operations are 
worth to any horseman several thousand dollars. 
All those who may have fine-bred horses, and em- 
ploy him at once, can then see the benefit the}?" 
will derive from his superior skill in the treatment 
of all kinds of curable diseases to which the horse 
is peculiarly subject. I also found the Dr. a man of 
! his woid and a oentleman. Uriah Bitzer. 



Columbia X Roads, Bradford Co., Pa., 

June 2G, 1878. 
This is to certify that I am personally acquaint- 
ed with the bearer, E. J. Donecken, Yeterinar}' 
Surgeon. He stopped at my house nearly three 
months. T have seen a number of operations he 
performed during the time he stayed with me. 
He removed ring-bone and bone spavin, curbs and 
blood spavin, without taking the hair off, removed 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 



the entire lump, and stopper] all lameness. I 
never saw this done before lie came here. He also 
took off' large lumps under the jaws of the horse 
here witli success. I know of several horses he 
cured lice wliicli were affected in the shoulders 
and liip, and lie cured a severe case of t^q^hus 
fever. I saw a .Mr. Gibbons, from Orange count_y. 
New York, where the Docto]- operated for over 
one year. He said his operations were successful 
in that county. I also saw a man from Wells- 
burg, N. Y., where the Doctor cured a bad case of 
bellows-heaves, and the horse is now perfectly 
sound. 

I found Dr. Donecken to be a man of his word, 
and can be fully relied upon. Having seen exhi- 
bitions of the skill and success of his nevy opera- 
tions on the treatment and diseases of the horse, 
I can therefore cheerfully recommend him to all 
in need of a scientific and qualified veterinary sur- 
geon. J. P. Strong, 
Agent for the N. C. B. Co. at above-named place, 
and Owner of the Hotel. 



LATiMORE P. O., Adams Co., Pa., 
Janua?'!/ 14, 1879. 
I am personally acquainted with Professor E. J. 
Donecken, Y. S. For over three years I rcjeived 
instructions from him on the treatment of the 
horse. I have followed his instructions and used 
his compounds of medicine over three years, with 
remarkable success. Having seen demonstrations 
of his ability and skill in the treatment of the 
horse, I pronounce him the best surgeon that I 
have knowledge of. Adam Lerew, 

Yeterinary Surgeon. 



SYSTEM AND TREATISE. 55 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



Page. 

The Pulse 3 

Fever 4 

Illustration Anatomy. ) 6 

Pneumonia 7 

Inflammation of the Stomach 9 

Spasmodic Colic 10 

Flatulent Colic ... 10 

Suppression of the Urine 11 

Dummies 12 

Disease of the Eye (Illustration.) 13 

General Debility 14 

Thick Wind 15 

Heaves in Horses 16 

Worms in Horses 17 

Chronic Stiffness and Lameness of Shoulder and 

Hip (Illustration.) 18 

Hoof and its Diseases (Illustration.) 21 

Ring Bone and Spavin Curbs 22 

Blood Spavin — Puffs 24 

Inflammation of the Kidneys 25 

Illustration (Disease of the Kidneys.) 26 

Button Farcy 28 

Cough in Horses 29 

Feircy — Abdominal Dropsy 30 

Fistula and Poll Evil 30 

Distemper and Influenza 32 

Nasal Gleet 33 

To Prevent Torture by Flies and Other Insects 34 



Grease and Swelled Legs 35 

Lockjaw 36 

Megrims 37 

Prurigo (Illustration.) 38 

Surfeit 38 

Tumors — Warts 39 

Cancer Tumors 40 

Thrush (Illustration.) 40 

Bronchocele 41 

Diarrhoea — Dysentery 42 

Liniment — For Strains and Joints 43 

To Remove Enlargements 43 

Obstretrics 43 

Founder 45 

Antidotes 46 

Testimonials — Extracts from the Press. 47 

Autograph Letters 50 



